Bonjour my cookies,
Regarding “Red Brazil”, I finally made it on schedule, and I
have to say that I have enjoyed the book quite a lot. Not only because of the
adventures of the main characters, but also because I find it very well
documented in the historic facts that the book describes; it introduces some
interesting things I didn’t know: the (early) influence of France in Rio, the
beginnings of colonialism in Brazil and I had no idea about the religion wars
in France.
I think that the author makes a nice blend of characters
(real and fictitious) to introduce an interesting moment of time in history. He
is describing at the same time the boat trips (boring as they were, as Arantxa
said :), the situation of the “indians”, the miseries bore by the colonizers and
even the situation in Europe.
The end of the book is rather surprising: I expected the two
main characters to go back to Europe and recuperate their inheritance. I
expected Villegagnon to come back and a hard fight against the Portuguese. But
the author seems to be wise enough to avoid this kind of fanfare and to give an
unexpected but realistic end (not the typical fight based in blood, honor and
patriotism that are abundant in so many books/films). I find the epilogue also
interesting, although not as deep as the one in the book “Adan’s parfum”. It’s
been nice to learn that many of the characters are real.
I have to say that I have not been disappointed by the book,
I find it entertaining, interesting and well written (although I expected more
in this last regard, mainly because of the Goncourt prize -BTW Monica, which one is this year's?-). I have found myself
looking for Villegagnon Island in Google Maps (it still exists!) or reading
about religion wars or Calvin in wikipedia.
My predictions were partly true only: I have realized that the
two main characters were not brother and sister, but I failed to see that their
father was indeed dead. That’s why I’m not rich on the lottery! J
Hope you have enjoyed the book as I did, and looking forward for
your comments!
Thanks Jorge for leading the last chapter discussion! I have enjoyed the book as well, and being inspired in true events, I have learned a lot as well. I had no idea of France's expansionism in Brazil, and it's good to see that they didn't always get what they wanted!!! hahahaha, who knows what would have happened if Brazil had been a French colony instead of a Portuguese one?
ReplyDeleteI didn't like the end of the book, not because it wasn't heroic or they didn't go back to France to claim their father's land, but because I didn't think it realistic that they pass from being brother and sister to lovers, just like that! Sounds a little like good Latin-American soap opera to me... And that Colombe actually replaces Pay-Lo just because she has blue eyes (saying it simplistically!), that's a little too much, like if the indians needed a white person to lead them...
But all considered, I have liked the book and found it very entertaining, what about the rest of you?
In short: I have liked and enjoyed the book.
ReplyDeleteI found the last part to be greatly full of action and, as Jorge, full of surprises. And though I don't buy some parts of the end, overall, I like it. Particularly, how the episode of the "war" went. Different and original.
Getting into detail, I have to say that I was shocked by Martin's introduction in this last part. He appears as a ridiculous and grotesque character, at the minimum. To the extent that it made me feel sorry for him. Though I was expecting a bad end for him, his fast death on the hands of Mem de Sa caught me by surprise. I found interesting how the authors seems to give as "lessons" with his story: 1) He did bad, so he ended badly, 2) He behaved with artificiality and vanity, and that killed him. Still, and considering how hard his life had been, I found it sad. I have to confess that I always like nice/happy endings, even if I know sometimes they just don't work.
Regarding Villegagnon, I found the cruelty displayed by him in the last part of the book to be too much, and it felt as it just happens out of the blue. I understand he is pictured as out of his mind. My doubt is, was he always like that or is it the result of the experience on the island?
And Jorge was right! What about that! Ok you didn't guess the back to Europe trip and the father fate, but you guessed what for me is the most amazing of your bet: They were not brother and sister, and they fall in love!! I agree with Rocio and, for me too, that is not credible. Even less with regard to Colombe. I think that if she saw him always as a brother, then that is what he is after so many years. If they were raised as siblings, that is what determined the relation and therefore the feelings. Isn't just a regular case of adoption? I also missed some more development on Colombe raising as the "new Pay-Lo".
So, I had fun reading the book and, as Rocío and Jorge, I also learned about a historical fact I had no idea about. For me, these are reasons enough to consider reading another book from the author, just if there weren't so many other books on the to-read list… :-)
By the way, in my edition there was no epilogue!
I will be the black sheep here: I must admit I struggled to finish the book.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to find out about the historical background that I didn't have a clue about, but the story didn't catch me at all. Not sure why.
I agree with Rocio and Macarena on Colombe and Just; I had exactly the same thought about adoption. And Martin, Aude, Villegagnon,... felt like: I have to finish the book, so let's get rid of all of them in a few pages.
Very impressed with Jorge's prediction. Clever boy!
Interesting to see that it was not a story that hooked you, Arantxa. I do not think it is a page-turner that keeps you reading until 2am, but still, I thought the story was interesting enough to be curious about it, particularly in the last part.
ReplyDeleteIn any case, that is part of the greatness of reading "together": learning about other people's point of view :-)
Looking forward to sharing about "Dance Dance Dance"!